Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), warrants are classified as public records in Randolph County, Alabama. This legislation mandates transparency in governmental operations and ensures citizens have access to judicial documents. The statute specifically provides that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."
Warrant records maintained by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office are accessible to members of the public to verify the existence of legal actions against individuals. This accessibility serves multiple public interests, including:
The Alabama Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access such records, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or matters involving juvenile offenders as outlined in Code of Alabama § 12-15-133.
Warrant records maintained by the Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama - Randolph County typically contain comprehensive information as required by Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
These records are maintained in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code 355-1-1-.03 regarding records retention schedules for judicial documents.
Members of the public may conduct free searches of warrant records in Randolph County through several officially sanctioned channels. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which governs public access to records, the following methods are available:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
PO Box 347
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: 256-357-4545
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sheriff's Office Website
Randolph County Courthouse
10 Broad Street
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: 256-357-4933
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
County Website
Individuals seeking warrant information must present valid government-issued identification. Records requests may be subject to processing time as specified in Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which requires that records be produced within a reasonable time period not to exceed 10 business days.
Sheriff warrants in Randolph County are official legal instruments issued pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1 and Rule 3.2. These documents authorize law enforcement officers to perform specific actions under the authority of the court. The Randolph County Sheriff's Office is responsible for executing these warrants within county jurisdiction.
Sheriff warrants fall into several categories, each with distinct legal requirements:
Magistrates in Randolph County issue warrants based on probable cause determinations as required by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 5 of the Alabama Constitution. The Fifth Circuit Court magistrates are required to exercise independent judgment when reviewing warrant applications from law enforcement agencies.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Randolph County may utilize several official channels established under Alabama Code § 36-12-40. The following methods provide authorized access to warrant information:
Randolph County Circuit Clerk's Office
10 Broad Street, Room 102
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: 256-357-4933
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Website
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
PO Box 347
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: 256-357-4545
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sheriff's Office Website
Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, individuals may also access limited case information through the state's Alacourt system. For comprehensive warrant verification, in-person inquiries are recommended as they provide the most current and accurate information.
When conducting warrant inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide:
The verification of outstanding warrants in Randolph County is governed by Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and § 36-12-41, which establish procedures for public records access. Individuals seeking to determine the existence of active warrants may utilize the following authorized methods:
Direct inquiry at the Randolph County Sheriff's Office located at:
PO Box 347
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: 256-357-4545
Fax: 256-357-2790
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Records request at the Randolph County Circuit Clerk's Office:
10 Broad Street
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: 256-357-4933
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Online verification through the Randolph County website for participating jurisdictions (limited information may be available)
Written request submitted to:
Randolph County Records Division
PO Box 347
Wedowee, AL 36278
Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 355-1-1-.04, a nominal processing fee may apply for certain records requests. Fee schedules are established by county ordinance and are subject to change. Current fee information is available at the respective offices.
Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1(c) requires that warrant information be maintained in official court records, making these searches reliable sources of information regarding outstanding legal matters.